GRAPHIC WARNING: Dog’s horrific slaying stuns community

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SACRAMENTO, California (KOVR) – Investigators are trying to figure out who tormented and tortured a dog to death in California.

Officials in West Sacramento, who shared photos of the dead dog to people who live near where it was found, said it is the worst case of animal cruelty they have ever encountered.

"The snout was all puffed out, had blood coming out of the nose, so it was real bad," said Richard Dunbar, who saw the photos that are so graphic that they aren't being released to the public.

One woman, who also saw the photos, said they were so extreme that she started crying and had to run back in her house.

Yolo County Animal Services Officer Michael Nevis said the mixed breed Chihuahua's legs were bound together, two in the front and two in the back. In addition, Nevis said the dog's mouth had been tied shut and that its neck had been broken.

Nevis said in his 13 years of service, this is the worst case of abuse he has seen because of how it was seemingly planned.

"I think the method, the way that somebody actually sat down, planned how. 'Let me tie this dog up, let me tie the dogs mouth to keep it from yapping' -- and then literally strangling the dog to death," said Nevis. "Not only not able to breathe, but unable to move either."

The dog, whose body was found in a field during a litter collection, just twenty yards from where some dog owners let their pets run free.

Folks in the nearby park said they hope authorities figure out who did this and bring them to justice.